Flying Star CaféWinner of Best Casual Dining, Best Veggie Burger, Best Toast, Best Healthy Breakfast and Best Desserts in our restaurant polls. Sure, you go in thinking you’ll be good and get a skinny latte, scrambled egg whites and a side of turkey and green chile sausage, but five minutes later somebody’s saying “eclair” and the voice is coming from your mouth. But, boy, do they taste good. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Dialogue BrewingThis indoor-outdoor brewery is as cozy as it is fun. The bartenders are friendly and informative, and you’ll often find the owners working the taps with a smile. The identifying feature of the outdoor patio are metal towers stretching high above the building. Enjoy Asian-fusion food from their resident food truck, Kitsune, or order up a charcuterie board from M’Tuccis Deli. (Alibi Staff, February 22, 2017)

The Grove Café & MarketThis ray of sunshine in EDo serves gourmet breakfast and lunch, sells house-made English muffins, and has a mini-shop filled with goodies like honey, jams, mustards and vinegars, not to mention non-edibles like cookbooks, serving vessels and cards. A tiny wine list is just as chic—five reds and five whites are marked on a chalkboard, and all are constantly changing. This list is extremely well thought-out and offers a sampling of some of the most esoteric varietals and brands available in Albuquerque. There’s also a large, shaded patio, incredible house-made cupcakes and too-cute French macarons.

Kitsune Food TruckThe creations of the resident food truck of Dialogue Brewing aren’t just tasty, they’re beautiful. Though the tacos are relatively small, we highly recommend the karaage tacos—the kitsune slaw is life itself. (The size of the portions don’t matter as long as you add a side of Thai fries.) (Alibi Staff, March 14, 2017)

Pop FizzFrozen Mexican-style paletas made with real fruit and organic cane sugar create an experience unlike the frozen treats you find in a box at the store. You won’t find high fructose corn syrup here, but you will discover Grandma Alvarez’ horchata and limeade recipes, as well as exotic paleta creations like guanabana, mimosa and, our favorite, avocado. (Alibi Staff, July 18, 2013)

Zullo’s BistroFor your consideration: Zullo’s Bistro. Pop over to sip a glass of pinot noir and munch on a insalata caprese in their spacious back patio, complete with twinkle lights and overhead shades. (Alibi Staff, June 2, 2017)

Baggin’s Gourmet SandwichesBaggin’s prepares satisfying hot and cold sandwiches at a decent price. The Sundown is a staple for chronic dine-’n’-drivers: basically a turkey dinner in sandwich form, complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Try it on toasted whole wheat or sourdough instead of the standard roll. This old-school sandwich emporium has been at the top of our BoBR categories for Best Sandwich and Best Soup many times over the years. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Cielito LindoCielito Lindo is named for a love song that is considered to be the unofficial national anthem of Mexico. While it may not be completely authentic Mexican seafood, it is terribly wonderful and a popular hidden gem with in-the-know locals. We recommend the medium oysters, they’re delectable. (Alibi Staff, April 10, 2013)

Flying Star CaféSure, you go in thinking you’ll be good and get a skinny latte, scrambled egg whites, and a side of turkey and green chile sausage, but five minutes later somebody’s saying “apple pie with ice cream” and the voice is coming from your mouth. Give in. It tastes good. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Flying Star CaféSure, you go in thinking you’ll be good and get a skinny latte, scrambled egg whites and a side of turkey and green chile sausage, but five minutes later somebody’s saying “apple pie with ice cream” and the voice is coming from your mouth. Give in. It tastes good. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Gecko’s Bar & TapasGecko’s expanded with a popular Northeast Heights location that’s housed in a building that looks like a jukebox, for some reason. Even though it’s clear across town, you’ll still probably bump into folks you know as you’re sipping a wicked Bloody Mary and enjoying tidbits from the affordably priced tapas menu. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Three Dog BakeryYour pets need to eat too! Pup-cakes and decadent treats won’t break the bank at this dog treat mecca. Dogs will love the natural flavors and presentation of the shop’s extremely affordable offerings, and you’ll be tempted to try one yourself. (Alibi Staff, February 2, 2011)

Nexus BreweryThis brewery has quite a following, both for the beer and as a “New Mexican soul food” gastropub. The menu offers specialties like New Orleans-style gumbo and the delicious marriage of chicken and waffles. It’s just the place to take your corn-bread-and-Frito-pie-craving friends while still getting your craft beer fix. (Alibi Staff, July 12, 2011)

Canteen BrewhouseCanteen Brewhouse picks up where the Il Vacino Vassar taproom left off. The canteen is spacious, and so is its shaded patio filled with picnic benches—a comfortable spot to enjoy the brew, regular live music and a casual menu. There’s no pizza here, but there are satisfying sandwiches. As always, the ingredients are top-notch, the microbrews are award-winning, and the home-brewed root beer float is a real treat. (Alibi Staff, April 14, 2011)

Rustic On The GreenWhile the Rustic food truck is long gone, you’ll always be greeted at this permanent location with burgers that snuggle in their brioche buns and keep you coming back for more. The Shroom ‘N’ Swiss burger is a succulent stack of hand-ground chuck, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and a Worcestershire aioli. (Alibi Staff, October 29, 2012)

Fan TangThe historic building at the corner of Central and Carlisle yields a spacious dining room with booths, tables, free Wi-Fi and dog-friendly patios. Inside, the Zeng family (Chow’s) have retained their focus on quality ingredients and many traditional family recipes, but with a twist: The menu is aimed at folks who want a fast meal in a comfortable atmosphere. Prices are moderate. Meals are ordered at the cashier, then delivered to the table within minutes. Dishes are generously portioned for individuals rather than family-style. The menu draws freely from many Asian cultures with emphasis on Chinese. Try the Mongolian noodles or coffee chicken. (Alibi Staff, September 1, 2011)

Flying Star CaféSure, you go in thinking you’ll be good and get a skinny latte, scrambled local egg whites and a side of turkey and green chile sausage, but five minutes later somebody’s saying “éclair” and the voice is coming from your mouth. This Duke City fixture prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients like eggs and greens and offers free coffee refills. Beware the irresistible carrot cake. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Gecko’s Bar & TapasGecko’s has a killer patio in a corner of Nob Hill that’s perfect for people-watching. Set directly between La Montañita Co-op and Scalo, you’ll be sure to bump into folks you know as you’re sipping a cocktail and enjoying tidbits from the affordably-priced tapas menu. On Mondays the wings are 50 cents each, and on Wednesdays after 6pm you can get a cheeseburger for $5.50. Watch some sports, eat a burger and enjoy a seasonal ale. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Kelly’s Brew PubBesides the late-night menus and 20-odd house-brewed beers, Kelly's has an enormous, dog-friendly patio that somehow manages to be packed to the elbows, lively and laid-back all at the same time. Snag a spot by the rails for the best people-watching in Nob Hill. The food is decidedly geared toward the bar crowd (the kitchen stays open until 11pm, but food isn’t the strength here), with shades of cow, ostrich, turkey, buffalo or veggie on the burger menu. Get one with a side of sweet potato fries. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)